Taitlyns Journey

Hi,

My name is Terry and I’m the father of Taitlyn. Our family would like to share an extremely emotional story about our little girl, Taitlyn, and is reaching out for support to assist in her recovery. We want to remind parents to always pay close attention to their kids and take immediate action if they are experiencing unusual symptoms.

The funds raised will be used towards medical/personal expenses as Taitlyn recovers and adjusts to her new life. She will likely require ongoing treatment (physiotherapy, acupuncture, health and fitness classes) and continuous replacement of prosthetics as she grows. Other equipment might be required (crutches, stroller, home accessibility). We also want to donate and giveback to BC Children’s Hospital and The War Amps. All of the healthcare workers that has assisted us are truly amazing.

Taitlyn has been hospitalized since May 28th when she contracted invasive group A streptococcal. She was in critical condition and had to be intubated. There were all sorts of complications that threatened her life (septic shock, sepsis, respiratory failure, acute kidney failure, blood clots). The doctors sat us down and told us that she is very sick and might not make it. No parents want to ever hear that. We were so terrified but remained hopeful. She was heavily medicated and underwent multiple procedures.

The good news is, her condition slowly improved each week and is now medically stable. She still requires 2 enoxaparin injections a day and this will go on for 3 months. For someone who hated needles, she now makes it look so easy.

The bad news is, due to a lack of blood circulation, some of her limbs turned black. She will require amputation of her lower right leg and foot and will need a prosthetic. Her left toes and forefoot will also be amputated. She will lose all her fingertips as they will eventually fall off.

Taitlyn will undergo surgery and rehabilitation will begin. She has endured so much pain and suffering but has been so strong about it. Her goal

is to walk again and do all of the same activities that she was doing prior to being hospitalized. She hopes that she will still be able to make new friends because she looks different and doesn’t want people to stare and look at her funny. She has full support from family and friends as we are in this together.

As mentioned, the funds raised will go towards general medical costs and donations to charity. A new journey is about to start and there will be ups and downs. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

Background:

Taitlyn is your typical girl who loves rainbows and unicorns and is full of energy. She has always been very active with no underlying health issues. She frequently goes biking and hiking and can be seen climbing nonstop at the playground. She also loves swimming, ballet, and performing arts.

Taitlyn turned 7 years old on June 6th and we had to celebrate in the intensive care unit, far from a bouncy castle that she was expecting. It was a coincidence that she had surgery scheduled that day. So as a gift, she received a peritoneal dialysis catheter placed in her abdomen. She told us that this gift isn’t nice but luckily, it has since been removed and her kidney is functioning well. She was sad that many events had to be cancelled. She was most excited about her birthday party (June 3rd) and her ballet recital (June 10th). We told her that those can wait and once you are better, we will throw you a huge party and do whatever you want.

Remember to always spread love and kindness. Do take time to take care of yourself and help those around you. Be sure to spend quality time with loved ones, family, and friends. You never know what can happen tomorrow, so enjoy life each day.

Please follow Taitlyn in her journey as she recovers and navigates life as an amputee.

Instagram: taitlyns journey

UPDATE August 9, 2023

Our family is overwhelmed by all your love and support. It is greatly appreciated and we want to thank every one of you. Taitlyn had surgery one week ago and is recovering well. She is in good spirits and is already looking forward to getting a prosthetic leg and being able to walk again.